The F‑1 visa/status requires students to study full‑time, and off‑campus work is only allowed when you receive official authorization from a Designated School Official (International Advisor) or from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
*** Please be advised that working off-campus without authorization is illegal. ***
If you are an F-1 student on Bellevue College’s I-20, you may work on campus at Bellevue College while enrolling full-time.
Work Hours
- Up to 19 hours/week during the school year
- Up to 40 hours/week during breaks or authorized vacation quarters
- You may work in more than one department, but cannot exceed the hour limits above
How to Find Jobs
- Connect with the Center for Career Connections
- Learn how to create a resume to apply for jobs
- Ask departments directly if they are hiring:
- Student Engagement and Housing Jobs (most positions open in Spring)
- Download Handshake to view on-campus student jobs in Campus Operations, Computer Lab, Gym, Library, Student Programs, Academic Success Center, etc.
- Note: Work Study jobs are not available to international students.
Once you have a Job Offer
- Print the On-Campus Employment Authorization form
- Fill it out with your supervisor (the one who offered you the job).
- Submit it to your International Advisor and wait for approval.
- After approval:
- Give a copy to your job supervisor
- Apply for a Social Security Number
Important: You must stop working as soon as you graduate even if you have applied for Optional Practical Training, are transferring to another school or your F-1 status is terminated.
Last Updated October 18, 2026